Departmental preparedness for pandemic readiness in anesthesia: A practical departmental readiness checklist

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has forced clinicians globally to promptly establish the effective response plans in a very short timeframe. This article seeks to provide a comprehensive and universally applicable 'Departmental Readiness Checklist,' readily available for anesthesiologists worldwide in response to any global crisis. We have made considerable efforts to ensure the information provided is supported by current knowledge and recommendations. Preparedness for pandemic readiness requires a concerted multidisciplinary effort and clear leadership to identify the potential issues to allow for appropriate planning and to promote education, teamwork, and clear communication at all phases of the pandemic. Departmental implementation requires both clinical and organizational expertise of the respective specialist groups, and there is a paucity of information for pandemic preparedness on a departmental level at this moment. The information provided are exclusively for staff anesthesiologists, directors of anesthesia departments, and hospital managers to guide and help in decision-making processes in the face of a pandemic and can be applied to mass casualty or natural disaster events.